On Thursday at 4:10 p.m. the National Weather Service reported an updated air quality alert in effect until 10 p.m. for Mesa County.
The NWS informs, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Ozone.”
“A weather event known as a stratospheric intrusion is occurring. During these events, ozone from high in the atmosphere is pulled to the ground, resulting in elevated ozone concentrations. Ozone is expected to be Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups through late Thursday evening,” describes the NWS.
Air quality alerts: Recommendations from the NWS
When an air quality alert is in effect, following the NWS guidance is pivotal. Here are some simple tips from the NWS for safeguarding your well-being:
Prioritize indoor stay:
Whenever possible, seek refuge indoors, especially if you grapple with respiratory concerns, health issues, or belong to the senior or child demographic
Curb outdoor exposure:
When you can’t avoid going outdoors, keep outdoor activities to the bare essentials. Reducing your time outdoors is the key.
Mitigate pollution sources:
Exercise prudence when it comes to activities that exacerbate pollution, such as driving cars, wielding gas-powered lawnmowers, or utilizing other motorized vehicles. Minimize their use during air quality alerts.
A no to open burning:
Resist the urge to burn debris or any other materials during an air quality alert. This practice only adds to the air pollution problem.
Stay informed:
Stay updated of developments by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news source. Being well-informed empowers you to make informed decisions regarding outdoor pursuits during air quality alerts.
Prioritize respiratory health:
If you grapple with respiratory issues or underlying health problems, exercise added caution. These conditions can render you more susceptible to the adverse effects of compromised air quality.
Following the recommendations from the NWS helps bolster your safety during air quality alerts, minimizing your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and make your health the top priority.
Source: The National Weather Service